Mysuru: State Women’s Commission Chairperson Manjula Manasa has asked political parties not to make irrelevant statements against women in connection with sexual violence on women.
Manjula Manasa who has served notices to the Presidents of three major political parties in the State Congress, BJP and JD(S) said that leaders of political parties have been making unwarranted comments in connection with sexual assaults on women, thus insulting the women folk.
It is shameful to note that political leaders are seeking political gains by making cheap remarks on incidents of rape and sexual offences on women, just for the sake of publicity, she added.
Observing that the sexual assault victims need compassion and measures to instill confidence in them, she hoped that the notices served to the 3 major political parties-Congress, BJP and the JD(S), is one of the measures to rein in political leaders who are making irrelevant and derogatory comments on women.
Stressing on the need for treating women with respect, Manjula Manasa regretted the tendency of some political leaders to look down upon women, forgetting the fact that it is a woman who has given birth to them.
She asked the State party Presidents to instruct their respective party leaders against making unnecessary and reckless comments that would cause embarrassment and humiliation to the women folk.
The Verbal Tiff
Earlier on November 5, a verbal duel broke out between Congress Legislative Council member P V Krishna Bhat and Karnataka State Women’s Commission chairperson Manjula Manasa during their visit to the victim’ house at Thirthahalli case.
When Manjula Manasa went to the victim’s house, Bhat failed to recognise her. Later, Manjula Manasa introduced herself as the chairperson of the state women’s panel.
Krishna Bhat said, “I did not know Manjula Manasa. I asked her to come after our meeting.” “Are you an investigating officer, I asked. Irked by my question, she said-don’t you know who I am?,” Bhat said. Manasa said she would complain to the SP against Bhat for insulting her.
